Main contractor for new operational policing base for the city announced

BAM will have access to the site from Monday 18th April with building works set to commence in mid May. This step marks another milestone in this project, which the Police Authority and Humberside Police have been planning since 2007.

Steve Beasant, Vice Chairman of Humberside Police Authority, said: ‘Announcing BAM as the preferred contractor is another step forward in a development that will bring about a more efficient and effective police service for the people of Hull.’

‘Clough Road is right in the middle of the city, moving teams to the centre of Hull means we can rationalise spending on buildings and importantly respond to community call outs more efficiently, avoiding city centre traffic and bridge delays.’

‘Due to the current financial climate, it is an ideal time to go out to tender for such a project, as the construction industry are competing for fewer contracts. As a result all of the four tenders came in at less than the estimated cost for the construction resulting in the overall cost of the project lowering by almost £3.5m.’

The BAM tender also came out on top in terms of quality which included their commitment to local people and the local economy. Using the YorBuild framework, bids were assessed on potential contractor’s intentions to encourage young people from the local community to have a greater understanding of the construction industry as a future area of employment, in addition to providing skills and opportunities for those seeking work, and starting or continuing apprenticeships.

John Phillips, construction director for BAM in the North East, said: ‘We’re pleased to be building in Hull, where we have a strong track record, and for an important client. We recognise the social importance to the local community of delivering these new facilities, and we will form a strong partnership with the Police Authority and Humberside Police. For BAM, construction is more than materials – it is about how we build, not just what we build, We look forward to contributing to the community with this project and making a fast start.’

Tim Hollis, Chief Constable of Humberside Police, said: ‘The Clough Road development is an important and welcome investment in the policing of the City of Hull. It is the culmination of four years planning by the Force and Police Authority and will provide up-to-date custody facilities to ensure the safe care of those arrested locally.’

‘Additionally, our staff deserve to work in modern accommodation. The old Queens Gardens building, and its custody suite, is now showing its age. Clough Road will also enable us to rationalise the police estate across Hull and dispose of other dated buildings which are expensive to maintain. It will allow us to run the police estate more cost effectively’.

‘Whilst the Police Service is going through a period of austerity, I am not prepared to allow Humberside Police to atrophy. The new building is an indication of our willingness to invest in the future of the city and the Force and it will allow us to continue delivering good quality services to local people for many years to come.’

Notes:

• As a result of the favourable tender sum the cash limited project budget has been adjusted by 10.36% from the current £32.98m to £29,564,217.
• The main contract works went out to tender in December 2010 using the YorBuild Contractor’s Framework which is managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
• The bids were assessed on 70% price and 30% quality.

Further information:

• Claire Harrison, Humberside Police Authority, 01482 220793, claire.harrison@humberside.pnn.police.uk;
• Gemma Bell, Humberside Police, 01482 578146, gemma.bell@humberside.pnn.police.uk;
• Mark Slattery, BAM Construction Ltd, 01442 238415, mslattery@bam.co.uk.